Lisa Wilkinson’s The Titanic Story of Evelyn to become a television series – Lisa Wilkinson’s bestselling historical non-fiction book The Titanic Story of Evelyn is being adapted for television as the first project from The Set Up, the new venture joining Bruna Papandrea’s Made Up Stories with former Foxtel and BINGE executive Alison Hurbert-Burns. No broadcaster, platform, cast or premiere date has been announced.
The Australian-led development is notable for its subject as well as its creative team: it will tell the story of Evelyn Marsden, described in the announcement as the only Australian-born survivor of the Titanic, through a perspective seldom centred in screen retellings of the disaster. The project is at the adaptation stage, so viewers should not yet assume a production or release window.
The story behind Evelyn
Born in rural South Australia, Marsden became a horsewoman and champion rower before working as a stewardess aboard ocean liners. She met ship’s doctor William Abel James, but the couple were separated when she boarded the RMS Titanic alone on its maiden voyage. According to the book’s account, she helped distressed passengers as the liner sank.
The story continues well beyond the ship. Evelyn and William’s relationship spans the First World War and Great Depression before they eventually settle at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Wilkinson’s book was published in April 2026 and, according to the release, reached number one on the Australian bestseller list across genres. It was also selected for Audible’s Best of the Year audiobook list.
Who is making the adaptation?
Papandrea, Hurbert-Burns and Steve Hutensky will produce for The Set Up alongside Wilkinson, Nick Fordham and agent-producer Lee-Anne Higgins. Made Up Stories’ credits include Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers and The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart. Hurbert-Burns has been associated with Australian series including The Twelve, Strife and Colin From Accounts.
Wilkinson said she was “absolutely thrilled” to work with Papandrea and Hurbert-Burns, describing them as storytellers well placed to bring Evelyn’s adventure, heroism and love story to screen. The producers said the adaptation would tell the Titanic story through Evelyn’s eyes and those of other women aboard the ship.
The Set Up says its model is to bring Australian stories, talent and financing together for premium series pitched to broadcasters and platforms internationally. Its first announced project therefore has both a local historical subject and an international ambition. TV Central will update the story when a commissioning partner and production details are confirmed.
For more TV Central television industry coverage, head here, and visit Made Up Stories for information about the production company.
